There aren't many similarities between "Strike Back: Season 1" and "Marley." In fact, none spring to mind other than this: both land today (Aug.7) on DVD. Here are capsules reviews of each, along with a listing of other notable releases:

A glossy, well-muscled example of testosterone theater, this six-episode British-produced series -- which is about to launch its second season on Cinemax -- is by no means the smartest show on television. But it can beat up the smartest show on television. That has to count for something, right?

A dose of high-octane international intrigue set on the eve of the Iraq war, it focuses on an odd-couple pair of special-ops agents in their ultra-violent hunt for terrorists. It also features a hostage crisis, a bare-knuckle boxing match and a whorehouse, all in the first five minutes -- which sets the tone for the six hourlong episodes to follow. If you're looking for brainy, thoughtful analysis of the war, or of war in general, you should look elsewhere. If you want adrenaline, however, you've come to the right place.

Total running time: Approximately 10 hours.

Reggae icon Bob Marley, shown in an image from the documentary 'Marley.'

Marley 3 stars, out of 5

On the one hand, director Kevin Macdonald's documentary is a thorough look at the life and music of Bob Marley, the reggae icon and beautiful spirit whose one-love refrain still reverberates today, more than 30 years after his all-too-early death. On the other, Macdonald's reverential film (executive-produced, it should be noted, by Marley's son Ziggy Marley) clocks in at 2 hours and 25 minutes. That's long for any movie, but particularly so for a documentary profile.

To be fair, there is a lot to cover, and Macdonald wisely indulges in frequent musical breaks. But there is such a thing as being both comprehensive and concise. Unfortunately, although "Marley" is often interesting and always tuneful, Macdonald doesn't quite find that balance.

Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes.

Other releases

Star
ratings are taken from staff and wire reviews that appeared in The
Times-Picayune, and are on a five-star scale. They do not apply to bonus
DVD content. (BR = Blu-ray). For full reviews of rated movies, see
The Times-Picayune's A-to-Z movie review archive.